In "The Gymnast," Jane(Dreya Weber) is a 43-year old masseuse who is hoping to get pregnant to invigorate her loveless marriage, while weaning herself off antidepressants. A chance meeting with Nicole(Mam Smith) leads to a unique opportunity to put her skills to use as an aerial acrobat alongside a younger dancer,
Serena(Addie Yungmee).(Even though Jane is decades removed from her prime as a star gymnast, she is in such good shape that it is frankly annoying.) Even after Nicole has to leave for a family emergency, Jane and Serena decide to stay with the program... "The Gymnast" is an engaging movie with relaxed performances that does more than a capable job of balancing its endearing story with the spectacle of the acrobatics, while smoothing over the predictable elements and most importantly not giving into the temptation of exploitation. However, it does end on a rather bizarre note. Basically, the movie is about how there is more to a woman's life than just being the good wife and the good mother, especially if it involves finding fulfillment in doing what she enjoys the most.
July 2, 2008
